Farm Animals

Sheep Welfare and Lameness Management 2026

Lameness in sheep is painful and prevalent, with 2026 bringing improved scoring tools and treatment protocols to reduce suffering.

Key Facts

Lameness affects up to 10% of sheep in many UK flocks annually
Footrot caused by Dichelobacter nodosus is the most common cause of infectious lameness
Five-point lameness scoring enables early identification and treatment
Lame sheep have significantly elevated cortisol and grimace scale scores
Treat within 3 days is the evidence-based target to prevent chronic lameness development

Welfare Considerations

Sheep lameness causes chronic pain affecting millions of animals. Early identification, prompt treatment, and biosecurity prevent both suffering and production loss.

What You Can Do

Advocate for lameness scoring training in sheep stockperson certification
Support research on rapid diagnostic tools for sheep lameness causes
Choose lamb from farms with documented lameness management protocols